Interchangeable utility belt apparatus and system

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and system for interchanging holders including a first connector with an opening portion and a second connector including a locking portion. The first connector removably connects with the second connector, and the opening portion connects to the locking portion to prevent separation of the second connector from the first connector.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The embodiments relate to utility belts, and in particular to an apparatus and system for switching utility belt items.

2. Description of the Related Art

Utility belts are used to assist workers by holding different devices, such as pouches/holders for tools, accessories and fastening devices (e.g., nails, screws, etc.). Utility belts help a worker save time from having to retrieve different tools, accessories, etc., and also frees up their hands.

Typical utility belts have a problem of quickly and smoothly changing tools or tool holders. This costs workers time lost in rearranging their utility belts or having to store one utility belt and put on another utility belt.

SUMMARY

One embodiment includes a first connector having an opening portion; and a second connector having a locking portion. The first connector removably connects with the second connector, and the locking portion connects to the opening portion to prevent separation of the second connector from the first connector.

Another embodiment is a system including a utility belt having a strap, a first connecting device that operates to removably connect to the strap and the utility belt, and a second connecting device that operates to removably connect to the first connecting device. The second connecting device includes a wedge portion that operates to removably connect to an opening portion of the first connecting device.

Yet another embodiment includes a utility belt attachment system having a first connecting device that is adapted to removably connect to a utility belt and a second connecting device that operates to removably connect to the first connecting device. The first connecting device includes a slot that operates to removably hold a wedge portion of the second connecting device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the Figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a first connecting portion of one embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a first connecting portion of another embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a first connecting portion of yet another embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a first connecting portion and a utility belt of one embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a second connecting portion of one embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear view of a second connecting portion of one embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of a second connecting portion of one embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of a first connecting portion of one embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a rear view of a first connecting portion of one embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of a first connecting portion of one embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of a first connecting portion and second connecting portion of one embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a rear view of a second connecting portion connected to a tool pouch of one embodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of a second connecting portion connected to a tool pouch of one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Embodiments discussed herein generally relate to a utility belt apparatus and system. Referring to the Figures, exemplary embodiments will now be described. The exemplary embodiments are provided to illustrate the embodiments and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a first connector 100 including an attachment device 115 including a receiving portion 110 having an opening portion or slot 120. In one embodiment attachment device 115 is connected to a foldable retaining member 150 through stitching 145. Reinforcing stitching 140 is attached to the material of foldable retaining member 150. Coupling means 130 and 135 connect one portion of folding retaining member 150 to another portion. In one embodiment, coupling means 130 and 135 are snap devices.

In one embodiment, attachment device 115 is made of a heavy duty material, such as hardened molded plastic or similar polymer, a metal or metal alloy, etc. In one embodiment, foldable retaining member 150 is made of a heavy duty material, such as polyester and nylon, canvas, leather, synthetic leather, suede, etc.

In one embodiment, coupling means 130 and 135 are snap devices made of heavy duty material, such as metal, metal alloy, hardened plastic, etc. In another embodiment, coupling means 130 and 135 can be other coupling means, such as socket devices, screw devices, or any other known connecting devices.

FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of first connector 100 including a connector 210. In one embodiment, connector device 210 is a D-ring connector. Connector device 210 connects to first connector 100 through retainer 220. In one embodiment retainer 220 is made of heavy duty material, such as canvas, polyester, nylon, leather, synthetic leather, suede, etc. In one embodiment connector device is connected to retainer 220 by stitching closed a portion of retainer around connector device 210. In one embodiment retainer 220 is attached to first connector 100 by stitching. In another embodiment, retainer is connected to first connector 100 by looping material around connector device 210 and attaching retainer to first connector 100. In yet another embodiment, connector device 210 is a ring device that is removably connected to first connector 100 by simply placing connector device 210 inside of foldable retaining member 150 (not shown). That is, in this embodiment, connector device 210 is sized the same or larger than the cross-section of first connector 100.

In one embodiment connector device 210 removably connects to suspenders or other supporting devices. In another embodiment, items, such as tools and accessories can attach to connector device 210.

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a first connector. In this embodiment, first connector 300 includes attachment device 310 that includes a number (e.g., 2, 3, 4, etc.) of connectors 320. In one embodiment, connectors 320 are fasteners, such as rivets, nut/bolt combinations, etc. In one embodiment, connectors 320 permanently connect attachment device 310 to foldable retaining member 150. In another embodiment, connectors 320 allow attachment device 310 to be removed from foldable retaining member 150 for replacement.

FIG. 4 illustrates first connector 300 and an exemplary utility belt 440. As illustrated first connector 300 includes a first folding portion 460 and a second folding portion 465. Utility belt 440 includes a number (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 6, etc.) of retaining loops 450 and a retaining belt 420. Utility belt 440 further includes a front side attached with hook and loop fastening material 430 that attaches with hook and loop fasteners 930 attached to a back side of foldable retaining member 150 (see FIG. 9, 930). Utility belt 440 has a rear side connected with padding material 410.

In one embodiment, retaining belt 420 is made of a strong material, such as webbed material made of nylon or other polymers. First connector 300 is attached to retaining belt 420 by placing first folding portion 460 on one side of retaining belt 420 and second folding portion 465 on the other side. First connector 300 is then fastened to retaining belt 420 with fastening means (e.g., 130, 135, 910, 920). First connector 300 is attached to utility belt 440 by placing the back side of first connector 150 having hook and loop fasteners 930 onto hook and loop fastening material 430 and then tightening retaining belt 420 onto utility belt 440.

In one embodiment, utility belt 440 is made of heavy duty material, such as polyester, canvas, nylon, synthetic leather, leather, suede, etc. As utility belt 440 has hook and loop fastening material 430, first connector 300 (or 100) can be placed in any desired position on utility belt 440. Due to the first connector 300 (or 100) being retained by retaining belt 420 and fastened with hook and loop fasteners, first connector 300 (or 100) remains in place during movement, use, etc.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of second connector 500 of an embodiment. In one embodiment second connector 500 includes a number (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 6, etc.) of fastener means 510, an upper receiver portion 515, a back side 520, a release lever 530, and a flexible member 540 including a locking portion or wedge 610 (see FIG. 6).

In one embodiment, second connector is made of the same or similar material as first connector 100 or 300. In one embodiment, fastener means 510 are similar or the same as connectors 320. Second connector 500 is permanently or removably connected to a holder, such as a tool holder, tool pouch, tool, etc.

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear side of second connector 500. In one embodiment, the rear side of second connector 500 includes a three dimensional raised insertion portion 620 that slides or fits into receiver portion 110 of first connector 100 and locks in place as the locking portion or wedge 610 fits into opening portion 120 and is locked in place. That is, once second connector 500 is placed into first connector 100, second connector 500 cannot be removed as the locking portion or wedge 610 prevents the upward movement by opening portion 110 forming an abutment. When release lever 530 is pressed away from first connector 100, locking portion 610 is removed from opening portion 110 as flexible member 540 flexes or is temporarily bent away from first connector 100.

In one embodiment locking portion or wedge 610 is a three-dimensional portion that can have multiple shapes to allow fitment into opening portion 110 and locking capabilities. FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of second connector 500.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of first connector 100 or 300. As illustrated receiving portion 110 forms a slot for insertion portion 620 to be inserted into. FIG. 9 illustrates a rear view of first connector 100 or 300. As illustrated, first connector 100 or 300 has attached hook and loop material 930 on the rear side of first connector 100 or 300. Fastening means 910 and 920 are complementary to coupling means 135 and 130.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of first connector 100 or 300. In one embodiment, first connector 100 or 300 has coupling means 135 that closes foldable retaining member 150 around retaining belt 420 when connected to fastening means 910. In the embodiment illustrated, coupling means 135 and fastening means 910 are complimentary snap devices. FIG. 11 illustrates side views of first connector 100 or 300 and second connector 500 next to one another before insertion of second connector into first connector 100 or 300.

FIG. 12 illustrates a rear view of second connector 500 attached to an exemplary tool holder 1210. FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of second connector 500 attached to exemplary tool holder 1210. As illustrated, when second connector 500 is inserted in first connector 100 or 300, second connector 500 is released from first connector 100 or 300 when release lever 530 is forced away from the front side of exemplary tool holder 1210 and a handle on exemplary tool holder 1210 is pulled in an upward direction.

First connector 100 or 300 and second connector 500 make it simple and efficient for a person to switch or change out tool holders or tools that are desired to be connected to a utility tool belt. By using hook and loop fasteners on a utility a tool holder can be locked into place on a utility belt without unnecessary movement that can cause discomfort and safety concerns.

In the description above, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known equivalent components and elements may be substituted in place of those described herein, and similarly, well-known equivalent techniques may be substituted in place of the particular techniques disclosed. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail to avoid obscuring the understanding of this description.

Reference in the specification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” or “other embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments. The various appearances of “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” or “some embodiments” are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments. If the specification states a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification or claim refers to “a” or “an” element, that does not mean there is only one of the element. If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art. 

1. An apparatus comprising: a first connector including an opening portion; and a second connector including a locking portion, wherein said first connector removably couples with said second connector, and the locking portion removably couples to the opening portion to prevent separation of said second connector from said first connector.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first connector includes a hook and loop fastener that operates to fasten the first connector to a first portion of a utility belt.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first connector has a first coupling means and a second coupling means.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first coupling means and the second coupling means operate to snap together.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking portion is coupled to a flexible portion of the second connector.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second connector has an insertion portion that removably couples with a receiving portion of the first connector.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second connector is adapted to couple to a holder.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a ring connector is coupled to the first connector.
 9. A system comprising: a utility belt including a strap; a first connecting device that operates to removably couple to the strap and the utility belt; and a second connecting device that operates to removably couple to the first connecting device, wherein the second connecting device includes a locking portion that operates to removably couple to an opening portion of the first connecting device.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the utility belt includes a plurality of loops that operate to secure the strap.
 11. The system of claim 9, wherein the utility belt includes a first hook and loop fastening portion that operates to couple to a second hook and loop fastening portion of the first connecting device.
 12. The system of claim 9, wherein the first connecting device has at least one first coupling portion and at least one second coupling portion.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein at least one first coupling portion and at least one second coupling portion operate to snap together.
 14. The system of claim 9, wherein the second connecting device has an insertion portion that removably couples with a receiving portion of the first connecting device.
 15. The system of claim 9, wherein the second connecting device is adapted to couple to a tool holder.
 16. The system of claim 9, wherein a suspender connector is coupled to the first connecting device.
 17. A utility belt attachment system comprising: a first connecting device that is adapted to removably couple to a utility belt; and a second connecting device that operates to removably couple to the first connecting device, wherein the first connecting device includes a slot that operates to removably hold a wedge portion of the second connecting device.
 18. The utility belt attachment system of claim 17, wherein the first connecting device includes a hook and loop fastener that operates to fasten the first connecting device to a first portion of a utility belt.
 19. The utility belt attachment system of claim 17, wherein the second connecting device has an insertion portion that removably couples with a receiving portion of the first connecting device.
 20. The utility belt attachment system of claim 17, wherein the second connector is adapted to couple to a holder. 